After Lady of Marquis Qingping confessed everything, Li Weiyang ordered people to take her away. Then she looked toward Imperial Consort Hui, her gaze revealing a trace of coolness: “Your Ladyship, in my view, if this matter is to be settled, you should still go see that Marquis of Xiangyang.”

Imperial Consort Hui was startled. She looked carefully at Li Weiyang’s face again and again, almost unable to believe her ears. No matter what, she couldn’t believe Li Weiyang would say such words. Did this child know what it meant to advise her to see the Marquis of Xiangyang? If discovered, it would be like putting the entire Guo family on a fire to be roasted. Anyone else wouldn’t do this. She turned her face away, saying coolly, “Jia’er, you’re still young—you can’t understand the gravity of this matter.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “The person Lady of Marquis Qingping just confessed about, and the items in her hands—these aren’t things Lady of Marquis Qingping could have obtained. They must have been treasured by the Marquis of Xiangyang for many years. If he wanted to take action, he would have long used them to threaten Your Ladyship. Why wait until now? Therefore, the one who did this definitely wasn’t the Marquis of Xiangyang himself.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui’s heart tightened. She couldn’t help but say, “That’s right. It definitely wasn’t his doing. In my view, it’s probably related to that You Qingfeng.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Your Ladyship is quite right. After all, You Qingfeng is the Marquis of Xiangyang’s adopted son and very close to him. He must have heard some rumors about the past. However, this matter is extremely confidential—the Marquis of Xiangyang probably wouldn’t explain it to him very clearly. Through hearsay, or with someone deliberately instigating, he would naturally be full of hatred toward Your Ladyship. Just from his performance at the banquet that day, we could see he wanted to stand up for his adoptive father. The so-called evidence in Lady of Marquis Qingping’s hands was provided by this person. Since he’s the Marquis of Xiangyang’s adopted son, obtaining these things wouldn’t be difficult. To resolve this matter, we must definitely start with him.”

Imperial Consort Hui glanced at Li Weiyang, “Even so, there’s no need to advise me to see that Marquis of Xiangyang.”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Your Ladyship misunderstands. What he most resents about Your Ladyship is that though the Marquis of Xiangyang is now gravely ill, Your Ladyship refuses to visit. If Your Ladyship changes her mind, this matter won’t be difficult to resolve. By then, whether it’s Lady of Marquis Qingping or Princess Lin’an, neither will have a way to use this matter to make trouble. This matter will definitely be arranged very properly—Your Ladyship can rest assured. No one will know, not even Father and Mother. Please keep this secret, Your Ladyship.”

When Li Weiyang said this, it actually carried certain implications. Since she could keep it secret from everyone in the Guo family, Imperial Consort Hui must keep it absolutely secret from Prince Jing. After all, Prince Jing was the Emperor’s biological son—he wouldn’t be happy to see his mother visit an old lover. This had nothing to do with magnanimity but with human nature. If he forcefully prevented it, this matter might not end well.

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui sighed deeply, “Alright, I’ll let you arrange everything. As for Lady of Marquis Qingping, how should she be dealt with?”

Li Weiyang said indifferently, “Today she only complied because I temporarily held leverage over her. Once she comes to her senses and realizes I don’t have concrete evidence in hand, she’ll definitely retract everything. This way, keeping this person is truly inappropriate. But if we deal with her ourselves, it ultimately wouldn’t be clean.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui couldn’t help raising her brows, “What you mean by saying this is…”

Li Weiyang smiled gently. That smile was very warm, like green mountains and clear waters, refreshing to the heart. Yet her tone was very cold: “Bind her up and send her directly to Princess Lin’an’s estate.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui’s heart jumped: “Send her to Princess Lin’an? She clearly colluded with Princess Lin’an. If you send her there, wouldn’t that be fulfilling her wishes?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “Your Ladyship, Princess Lin’an is narrow-minded and vengeful. This time, she had Lady of Marquis Qingping threaten you without success—instead, she let her reveal secrets. Do you think she’ll forgive her? Most likely, Lady of Marquis Qingping won’t die but will lose a layer of skin. Just wait and see.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui was somewhat skeptical. Li Weiyang raised her brows and instructed Lady Official Liang beside her, “Lady Official Liang, please prepare brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. I need to write a letter.”

Lady Official Liang glanced at Imperial Consort Hui. Seeing Her Ladyship nod, she went with light steps. Soon, she brought brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Li Weiyang spread out the rice paper, dipped the brush in ink, thought for a moment, then swiftly wrote several lines of characters. Then she carefully folded it, placed it in an envelope, and said gently, “Your Ladyship, just have someone take this letter along with Lady of Marquis Qingping. I imagine Princess Lin’an will definitely do as I’ve written.”

Imperial Consort Hui didn’t know what Li Weiyang had written in the letter, but she trusted her, so she only nodded, “Alright, everything will be as you say.”

Li Weiyang turned to leave. Just as she stepped over the threshold, she suddenly turned back, “Your Ladyship, tonight at the hour of the rat would be the best time to meet. Please don’t hesitate—prepare quickly.”

Imperial Consort Hui was leaving the next day, so this meeting was very rushed. To ensure nothing went wrong, Li Weiyang mobilized a group of forces that Prince Xu Yuan Lie had given her, secretly arranging everything. Fortunately, that You Qingfeng wasn’t a fool either. Hearing the message Li Weiyang sent over, he immediately changed his mind and agreed to arrange everything so this meeting would have no worries. Li Weiyang had already anticipated this. In fact, what You Qingfeng most resented was that Imperial Consort Hui still refused to see his adoptive father even now. He feared his adoptive father would die with regrets. To prevent him from carrying regrets, he would naturally rack his brains to make this meeting happen.

Late at night, a carriage stopped at the back gate of the Marquis of Xiangyang’s estate. Then several women wearing cloaks with hoods covering their faces descended from the carriage. You Qingfeng was already personally waiting at the back gate. Seeing this, he came forward and said in a low voice, “I’ve already arranged everything in the estate. There absolutely won’t be any outsiders. Please enter, Your Ladyship.” Saying this, he waved his hand, and someone led Imperial Consort Hui inside. Watching her enter, You Qingfeng turned to look at Li Weiyang, “I didn’t expect Miss Guo would work so hard to make this happen.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “The reason Your Ladyship refused to meet the Marquis of Xiangyang was fear of implicating her family and bringing disaster upon nine generations—not because she’s completely cold and heartless. Please don’t misunderstand, Young Master You.”

You Qingfeng’s eyes focused slightly as he stared at Li Weiyang for a long time, seeming somewhat disbelieving. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, clearly unconcerned. In her view, whether You Qingfeng believed or not wasn’t important. What mattered was that this matter could be satisfactorily resolved.

In the reception hall, You Qingfeng ordered people to serve tea, then sat quietly to one side, his gaze coolly observing Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang didn’t pay him any mind, only lowering her head to think her own thoughts. You Qingfeng suddenly spoke: “Miss Guo, would you be interested in walking through the back garden?”

Li Weiyang glanced at him with a half-smile, saying nothing either way. You Qingfeng grew impatient sitting silently with her and suddenly stood up, striding out with large steps. Li Weiyang said, “Young Master You, disturbing the Marquis of Xiangyang and Imperial Consort now would be inappropriate.”

You Qingfeng stopped sharply and turned back, “I want to check whether Her Ladyship said anything to stimulate my adoptive father—I fear he couldn’t bear it.” When he spoke, a trace of cold light seemed to flash in his eyes. Li Weiyang smiled faintly. You Qingfeng’s thoughts weren’t difficult to understand. He didn’t trust Lady of Marquis Qingping, nor did he trust Imperial Consort Hui. His reason for producing that evidence was first to test Imperial Consort Hui, second to exact a small revenge on her. He had probably long anticipated that Lady of Marquis Qingping would do something harmful to the Guo family, but he simply didn’t care. In fact, if the matter was exposed, it wouldn’t benefit his adoptive father, the Marquis of Xiangyang either. However, the Marquis of Xiangyang was already on his deathbed, so You Qingfeng dared to do this.

Li Weiyang stood up, “I already understand what kind of person Her Ladyship is. However, Young Master You seems full of misunderstandings about us. Since you want to listen, I might as well go with you.” Saying this, she was already walking out with You Qingfeng. Zhao Yue quickly followed, fearing You Qingfeng would do something harmful to Li Weiyang.

You Qingfeng gave a cold laugh and strode quickly out of the great hall. The two of them came to a study, which was very elegant. The walls were hung with famous calligraphy and paintings, as well as some wild cursive scripts. Li Weiyang looked at them, surprise showing in her eyes. She heard You Qingfeng smile faintly, “My adoptive father always loved calligraphy. However, having been ill so long, he long ago gave it up. This study was left to me.” Saying this, he gently rotated a jade bowl on the bookshelf, and a row of small holes appeared in the wall, just right for seeing the situation in the opposite room. Li Weiyang gave a cold laugh, “Young Master You already anticipated Imperial Consort would come see the Marquis of Xiangyang today and specially prepared this room for spying.”

You Qingfeng smiled faintly but didn’t care what Li Weiyang said. No matter what, he wasn’t comfortable with his adoptive father being alone with that woman. If that woman said something to make his adoptive father unhappy again, he would immediately drive her out. He didn’t care whether she was some “Imperial Consort” or not. In this Marquis of Xiangyang estate, it had always been just the two of them, father and son, depending on each other. He had long regarded the Marquis of Xiangyang with the same respect as his own biological father. For anyone who hurt his only relative, regardless of status or position, he would never forgive them.

At this moment, he was already looking through those small holes toward the opposite room. Li Weiyang glanced at him and only smiled faintly. In fact, standing in her position, she could also see the opposite side clearly, because those small holes were opened very cleverly. Though not large, the angle was perfect, allowing her to see a middle-aged man sitting on the long couch opposite. Looking at that emaciated figure, Li Weiyang couldn’t help feeling slightly puzzled. Back then, this Marquis of Xiangyang was called the capital’s foremost handsome man—not only possessing the beauty of Pan An and Song Yu, but also accomplished in both civil and martial arts, pursued and admired by countless young ladies. Whether in appearance, literary talent, or martial skills, he was in no way inferior to the current Emperor. If not for that accident, by now he would have long since become a perfect couple with Imperial Consort Hui, not fallen to this state.

She glanced at You Qingfeng, only to hear him say coldly, “You needn’t worry. They can’t hear what we say here, but we can hear their conversation clearly.” Li Weiyang nodded, hearing him continue, “My adoptive father was extremely handsome in his youth, but these years, worrying excessively and plagued by illness, he’s long since become skin and bones. You must be very disappointed now—perhaps even thinking he’s not worthy of your Imperial Consort.” Li Weiyang only smiled faintly without answering.

At this moment, hearing the man suddenly murmur softly, Li Weiyang heard Imperial Consort Hui’s sigh—that voice clear and cold yet sorrowful, making Li Weiyang’s heart sigh involuntarily. She couldn’t help listening carefully.

Imperial Consort Hui said coolly, “These years, have you been well?”

The man raised his head, as if just seeing Imperial Consort Hui. A flash of shock crossed his face. He was precisely the Marquis of Xiangyang, You Su. After a long while, he finally spoke: “Thank you for Your Ladyship’s concern. I can’t say I’ve been well or unwell—overall, my days have passed peacefully. I heard Your Ladyship is greatly respected by His Majesty in the palace. I’m also happy for you in my heart.”

Imperial Consort Hui’s voice seemed very low: “Everyone knows that in the harem, my appearance isn’t the most beautiful, and my temper isn’t good either. His Majesty respects me only for the sake of my Guo family’s status. Why mock me?”

You Su said coolly, “This isn’t mockery.” Hearing his tone so calm, Imperial Consort Hui didn’t know what to say for a moment. The entire room fell into silence.

Li Weiyang glanced at You Qingfeng, only to see his gaze very focused on the opposite side—cautious, guarded, suspicious. Li Weiyang laughed, “Young Master You needn’t be so tense. They’re merely old acquaintances meeting to reminisce about the past.”

You Qingfeng sneered, “If she truly had heart, my adoptive father has been ill so long, yet she never sent a single word. Even when I sent people to the palace to seek an audience with her, she mercilessly refused. If she cherished old feelings, how could she do this?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “Imperial Consort is in the palace—her situation is difficult, and she’s surrounded by many eyes and ears. Some things, even if she wants to do them, she’s powerless. If she truly was indifferent to this matter, why didn’t she visit home earlier or later, but chose precisely this time? Clearly in her heart, she actually still wanted to come see the Marquis of Xiangyang.”

You Qingfeng was stunned. Thinking about it, he had to admit Li Weiyang made sense. In these twenty years, Imperial Consort Hui had only left the palace three times in total, each time for a special reason. If not for the Marquis of Xiangyang, he truly couldn’t think why she would choose this time to leave the palace. However, the resentment in his heart had accumulated for so long, the hatred so deep, it was difficult to resolve easily. After remaining silent for a moment, he heard Imperial Consort Hui say after a pause, “Your health isn’t very good—you must take care.”

You Su sighed, “My constitution has always been like this. I can still drag on for a few more years. Don’t listen to that child Qingfeng’s nonsense, thinking my life is about to end. It’s not that serious.” Saying this, he suddenly coughed violently. Imperial Consort Hui’s heart jumped—she almost wanted to step forward to support him, but ultimately stood in place without moving.

Li Weiyang watched this and couldn’t help sighing faintly. If you said Imperial Consort Hui had no feelings for this man, she absolutely couldn’t believe it. Given Imperial Consort Hui’s temperament, if she didn’t like the Marquis of Xiangyang, didn’t think of him, how could she possibly risk such danger to see him? Everyone in the Guo family valued relationships and loyalty deeply. Especially for people placed in their hearts—they could never forget them no matter what. However, when responsibility to family and love for a person were placed together, they always chose the former and abandoned their own feelings—just like her second brother.

She heard You Su slowly say, “Your situation is difficult—you shouldn’t have come no matter what.” He sighed, his tone growing heavier: “I know you actually don’t value power, fame, or profit. However, being in the deep palace, escaping is absolutely impossible. Though the Guo family has certain power, those who resent you must be many. I heard Prince Jing Yuan Ying is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, very intelligent. This way, the jealousy and hatred he receives is even greater. These years haven’t been easy for you—I can’t help you much either.” His attitude wasn’t like treating an old lover, but rather an ordinary friend.

Imperial Consort Hui only smiled faintly, “You needn’t worry for me. The people you arranged when I entered the palace are still loyally by my side. Moreover, I have no ambition for glory and wealth—I don’t need to rack my brains or engage in scheming. As long as I peacefully keep to myself, I can enjoy wealth and honor. Such days—I’m very satisfied.”

You Su laughed, clearly not believing Imperial Consort Hui’s words. Though he didn’t know exactly what kind of life Imperial Consort Hui had been living these years, he knew Empress Pei’s power was great, her authority overwhelming in the palace. Imperial Consort Hui must have struggled bitterly and was already exhausted. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have refused to see him.

Imperial Consort Hui looked at the gray frost at his temples, her tone involuntarily carrying a trace of choking that even she herself hadn’t noticed: “Now I have no worries. The only person I feel I’ve wronged is you. So this time leaving the palace, I finally still wanted to come see you. Do you… still hate me?”

Hearing this, complexity appeared on both You Qingfeng and Li Weiyang’s faces. The two exchanged glances. You Qingfeng was first to look away. At this moment, he could no longer say Imperial Consort Hui had no feelings for his adoptive father, because he had his own eyes and could see the Imperial Consort’s expression—that heart-wrenching pain between her brows was something he couldn’t ignore or deny no matter what. But so what? If not for Imperial Consort Hui, why would his adoptive father have fallen to this state?

You Su’s voice was calm and refined as he replied, “I’ve never hated you. When we parted, we already said it very clearly—we fundamentally couldn’t be together in this life. This was your choice. As long as you have no regrets, what can I reproach you for? All these years, I’ve been waiting for a chance to reunite with you. Don’t laugh at me—sometimes even in dreams, I think of your appearance, think of how you told me back then that no matter what, you couldn’t abandon your family, abandon your parents and elder brothers to be with me. At that time, I perhaps once resented you, but now I already understand your feelings. Actually, no matter how many years pass, if I ask you whether you regret it, your answer will always be the three words ‘no regrets.’ You’re a person of the Guo family. I should have known early on you would make this choice—my heart shouldn’t have held such hopes from the start.”

Hearing You Su say this, confusion and nostalgia appeared on Imperial Consort Hui’s face. After a long while, she sighed, “You’re right. There’s nothing to resent—everything is just fate, my fate and your fate. Since you refuse to resent me, then recover well, let go of your burdens. You’re not old—in the future you can still find another suitable person to stay by your side, to care for you. Then I can feel at peace in the palace too.”

You Su laughed. His laughter wasn’t sorrowful, but hearing it in this quiet moment made Li Weiyang’s heart tremble slightly. You Su’s voice was very calm: “So many years have already passed. I once promised you I would spread my wings to shelter you from wind and rain. Aside from you, I won’t marry another woman. Don’t misunderstand—I’m not saying this to blame you, just speaking honestly. If I married someone else but couldn’t treat her with the heart I had for you, wouldn’t that harm her? This is why I’ll never marry for life—not for you, but for myself. Do you understand?”

In this instant, Li Weiyang only felt her heart shake. She hadn’t expected there would still be someone as devoted as the Marquis of Xiangyang in this world—betrayed by the other party yet still firmly remembering her, even never marrying for life. When the other party stood before him again, he had no resentment whatsoever, actually using such a calm tone to speak such heart-stopping words. Imperial Consort Hui didn’t speak for a long time. The room suddenly filled with You Su’s increasingly heavy coughing, as if tearing heart and lungs. Imperial Consort Hui could no longer care about anything else and stepped forward to support him: “I heard from Young Master You that your illness is very serious.”

You Su smiled faintly, “Life and death are fated, wealth and honor are in Heaven’s hands. I’m very clear about my condition—it won’t be serious. Just go—don’t linger here too long. Seeing you once, I’m already very reassured.”

Imperial Consort Hui grasped his wrist, “You’re lying. You want me to leave so you can quietly go die, isn’t that right!”

You Su didn’t speak for a long time, until another violent bout of coughing interrupted his gaze meeting Imperial Consort Hui’s.

He lowered his head, “I’m not deceiving you. It’s really nothing.”

Imperial Consort Hui suddenly laughed, slowly saying, “I still don’t understand your temperament? In the past, you said that no matter how many years, no matter what happened, you would wait here for me. But just now, you meant for me to return to the palace peacefully and never think of you again. If your health were good, or if there were even a thread of hope for recovery, you absolutely wouldn’t say this to me, would you?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang glanced at You Qingfeng, only to see enormous grief revealed in his eyes. Li Weiyang couldn’t help asking softly, “Your father, he…”

You Qingfeng lowered his eyes. His handsome face reflected a trace of sorrow in the candlelight: “The imperial physician already said Father’s lifespan is only these one or two days. This is why I urgently needed Imperial Consort Hui to see him—no matter what, I must fulfill his final wish.”

Imperial Consort Hui’s tears flowed involuntarily. You Su raised his head to look at her. His eyes reflected the candlelight, becoming even more luminous and brilliant, not at all like the dimness of one about to die. He slowly said, “When I first saw you back then, you were just a little girl—lively and cheerful, yet very shy. You didn’t like music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. Every day you loved practicing swordplay. You even pointed your sword at me and said that one day you would defeat this master. Unfortunately, so many years have passed, and I’ve already become so weak I can’t even lift a sword.”

Imperial Consort Hui only kept shedding tears, unable to say a word. You Su suddenly raised his voice: “Qingfeng, stop hiding and come out.” On this side of the wall, both Li Weiyang and You Qingfeng were startled. You Su laughed, “Alright, come out.” This call was even louder than the last. You Qingfeng had no choice but to turn the mechanism. The wall slowly opened, and the two rooms finally connected. He strode in with large steps and knelt before the couch, saying in a low voice, “Father, please forgive your son’s transgression.”

You Su sighed gently, “You foolish child. I already told you not to do these things for me. You must have used some improper means to force Imperial Consort here. Quickly apologize to her!”

You Qingfeng bit his teeth, tears seeming to glisten in his eyes. He lowered his head and kowtowed to Imperial Consort Hui, “You Qingfeng was disrespectful. Please forgive me, Your Ladyship.”

Imperial Consort Hui looked at this scene but didn’t speak for a long time. Finally she sighed and said, “Very well, rise.” In fact, she could understand his feelings. If it were her, with a relative harmed like this by someone, she would also spare nothing to take revenge. Moreover, what You Qingfeng said was also true—she and the Marquis of Xiangyang did indeed have an old affair back then. This was something that could never be erased no matter what.

Li Weiyang walked over, only smiling faintly, and bowed to You Su: “Guo Jia greets the Marquis of Xiangyang.”

The Marquis of Xiangyang raised his eyes to glance at her and couldn’t help smiling faintly, “I heard long ago that Brother Guo found his daughter who had been lost for many years. Good, truly a good young lady.” Having said this, he turned his head to look at You Qingfeng, “I want you to swear that after I die, you absolutely cannot do anything harmful to Imperial Consort. Otherwise, even in the underworld, I won’t be at peace.”

Enormous grief flashed in You Qingfeng’s eyes. He raised his palm and declared loudly, “I, You Qingfeng, swear here that if in the future I do anything harmful to Imperial Consort, may I be cut by a thousand knives, pierced through the heart by sharp swords, and die a terrible death.”

Only then did You Su nod, saying, “You child, your resentful heart is too heavy. I already told you…” Before he could finish speaking, he began coughing violently.

You Qingfeng anxiously stepped forward, “Father, it’s all your son’s fault. Don’t be angry. The imperial physician already instructed that you mustn’t lose your temper.” However, at this moment, You Su’s breathing had already become weak. He didn’t delay, saying frankly, “The end approaches… I should speak all my words clearly so I can be at peace. Qingfeng, there are some matters I need to entrust to you.”

You Qingfeng said in a low voice, “Whatever Father instructs.”

You Su glanced at Imperial Consort Hui, saying coolly, “Your Ladyship, you should return. We father and son still have words to say.” Clearly, he was issuing an order to leave.

Imperial Consort Hui looked at him, the tears in her eyes gradually disappearing: “Alright, I should go. Take good care of yourself. I’ll come see you again another day.” When she said “another day,” Li Weiyang felt a wave of regret pass through her heart. She knew this “another day” would never come. Once back in the palace, Imperial Consort Hui would have no more days to see the Marquis of Xiangyang. Moreover, he was already terminally ill—it would only be these few days. Imperial Consort Hui and Li Weiyang left the room together but stood on the steps without leaving.

Inside, You Su said to You Qingfeng in a low voice, “My life has been full of hardships, but it’s all self-inflicted, unrelated to others. You’re my adopted son. I hope that after I die, you can cremate my remains to ashes. Take half back to my hometown, but I have no face to be buried in the You family ancestral tomb. Please bury me on the ridge where I can see my late father’s tomb, so I can guard the You family spirits in the underworld, to show my unfaithful and unfilial sins.”

Standing outside, Li Weiyang heard the person inside say this and couldn’t help sighing. She could imagine why You Su said this—because he never married his entire life and had no biological heirs. For the capital’s nobility, this was the sin of cutting off descendants. Precisely because of this, he said he was unfaithful and unfilial.

You Qingfeng’s voice wasn’t loud but suppressed choking: “Your son dares not disobey. But why only half the ashes?”

You Su smiled faintly, “I still have one unfulfilled wish. Please help me do one thing. I promised to guard her for a lifetime, but I can’t do it. Please bury the other half of my ashes on the slope where I can see the palace gates…” His voice gradually became inaudible. Imperial Consort Hui turned and descended the steps, no longer trying to discover what he said.

The wind lifted Imperial Consort’s cloak. Li Weiyang looked at her, seeming to feel from her silence a kind of sorrow difficult to suppress. At this moment, all was pitch black—only the candlelight from that study scattered dim yellow light, faintly illuminating everything in the courtyard. Imperial Consort Hui just stood there, blowing in the cold wind, remaining silent for a long, long time. For an instant, Li Weiyang almost thought Imperial Consort was crying, but looking closely, there were no tears on her face. Imperial Consort Hui turned her head, gazing at that room as if wanting to deeply imprint everything in the bottom of her heart.

“Your Ladyship, let’s go back.” Li Weiyang gently urged.

Today’s meeting served first to untie Imperial Consort’s heart knot, second to end this ill-fated relationship. If she didn’t come this time, Imperial Consort Hui’s heart would forever hold this tumor. Over time, the injury would only continuously worsen. In the future, if someone with ulterior motives seized this leverage, she would probably confess out of guilt.

“Jia’er, I once didn’t understand why Heaven had to tear apart a pair of lovers, why even knowing he and I were compatible, they still had to force me into the palace. But now, I understand.” Imperial Consort Hui’s voice was like a dream.

“Your Ladyship…” Li Weiyang couldn’t help saying softly.

“Just now he was right. This is his fate and my fate. Aside from fate, I truly don’t know what else to say.” Hearing Imperial Consort Hui say this, Li Weiyang looked at her, at this moment also speechless.

If a person’s fate could truly force them to this degree, then why couldn’t it be broken? Was Heaven’s will truly unchangeable? No—if Heaven’s will couldn’t be changed, she, Li Weiyang, would long ago be a handful of yellow earth. However, she was different from Imperial Consort Hui. She had no ties, no relatives, no taboos, and no entanglements. No one could stop her steps of revenge. But what about Imperial Consort Hui? She had family, responsibility, things she couldn’t cast off. These were deeply bound in her bones, indelible. Even if she had initially chosen to elope with the Marquis of Xiangyang, she would still regret it now, because that way she would implicate the entire Guo family. Could she truly live happy days? Probably not necessarily.

Imperial Consort Hui suddenly turned around, looking directly at her, and smiled faintly, “Let’s go. No matter what, I had this one evening. I’m very happy, truly—I’ve already let everything go.” The wind lifted her black cloak and long hair, rustling. In this moment, her skin was like white jade.

The black-canopied carriage moved again. However, just reaching the street corner, they were stopped. A group of guards rushed over, surrounding the carriage. Someone shouted, “Who goes there? Get down from the carriage at once!”

The coachman said in panic, “What are you doing?!”

The other party sneered, “You’ve obstructed the Princess’s carriage. Get down quickly and apologize to the Princess!”

The coachman here immediately discovered the opposite carriage belonged to Princess Lin’an’s estate. Startled, he quickly jumped down from the carriage and said in a low voice, “Your Highness, my master unintentionally obstructed your carriage. Please forgive us.”

The curtain of that magnificent carriage lifted, revealing Princess Lin’an’s beautiful face. She sneered, “Is that so? Then let me see who sits in this carriage, and why they’re emerging from the Marquis of Xiangyang’s estate so late at night.” As she spoke, she gave a look to the guards beside her. The guard flew up, kicked aside the coachman with one foot, and without hesitation lifted the carriage curtain. Princess Lin’an sneered—this time, wouldn’t she catch Li Weiyang’s weakness?!

Inside the carriage sat a man with white hair and beard. Beside him was also a child with hanging hair. Seeing the other party lift the curtain without a word, the child couldn’t help saying angrily, “You lift the curtain for no reason—what’s the meaning of this!”

Princess Lin’an’s expression changed slightly. She couldn’t help saying angrily, “Who exactly are you people? Why are you emerging from the Marquis of Xiangyang’s estate!” How could this be? She felt puzzled in her heart. Originally, she had sent people to watch the Guo estate all along and was certain Imperial Consort Hui would definitely go see that Marquis of Xiangyang. But unexpectedly, when she intercepted the carriage, inside was neither Imperial Consort Hui nor Guo Jia, but someone she didn’t recognize at all. At this moment, how could she not feel angry and show it on her face?

The white-haired and bearded man descended from the carriage, dusted off his robes, and respectfully bowed to her, “Your Highness, this humble official is an imperial physician from the Imperial Medical Academy. I was making a late-night house call and accidentally disturbed Your Highness’s carriage. Please forgive me.”

Princess Lin’an’s brow twitched: “You’re an imperial physician?”

The old imperial physician was puzzled and couldn’t help saying, “Yes, Your Highness. If I’m not an imperial physician, what else could I be?”

Princess Lin’an snorted coldly, threw down the curtain, and said, “Return to the estate!”

The old imperial physician looked baffled as a group of people rushed over, then left without lingering. He couldn’t help turning to the child, “Look, what’s this all about?”

The child was even more confused, holding the medicine box with a completely bewildered expression: “Master, this Princess Lin’an is too domineering. We were merely making a diagnosis at the Marquis of Xiangyang’s estate. Does she need to show such a face as if she wanted to devour someone, as if she’d caught some enormous leverage?”

The old imperial physician stroked his beard and sighed, “We can’t afford to offend this Princess Lin’an. Let’s hurry back.” Saying this, he turned to board the carriage and directed the coachman to leave.

Not far away, a richly dressed man emerged from the darkness. He laughed softly, “Weiyang, look—Princess Lin’an has been watching you all along.”

Li Weiyang also emerged from the dark alley at this time, sighing, “Yes. I just wonder what she’ll think when she returns to the estate and sees Lady of Marquis Qingping.”

Yuan Lie smiled, “She painstakingly instigated Lady of Marquis Qingping to take your life. Now not only has she fallen short of success, but tonight she came up empty-handed. When she returns to see that culprit, who knows what torment awaits? You did right—at least you avoided dirtying your own hands.”

Li Weiyang only said in a light tone, “Seeing an old friend, Princess Lin’an should be happy.”

Yuan Lie gazed at Li Weiyang and couldn’t help laughing. Li Weiyang thought for a moment, then sighed, “You Qingfeng isn’t any good person either. Otherwise, how could Princess Lin’an suddenly appear before this estate gate? He must have tipped her off, wanting to teach Imperial Consort Hui a lesson.”

Yuan Lie snorted coldly, “Not just a lesson that simple. If someone discovered Imperial Consort late at night at a minister’s estate, not only would the Imperial Consort’s position be lost, but it would implicate the entire Guo family. This You fellow—his heart is truly narrow, completely different from his father.”

Li Weiyang smiled, “If my father was pining away for a woman, becoming emaciated and with his life nearly at an end, I would also find ways to take revenge on her. The Guo family truly wronged him, so when You Qingfeng did such things before, I didn’t blame him either. But Imperial Consort Hui has already exerted her last strength. If he truly felt remorse just now, he should have told me Princess Lin’an was waiting outside. Why bother swearing some useless oath—simply covering his ears while stealing a bell, superfluous. Looking now, on the surface, Princess Lin’an used him, but actually, who knows who used whom? This play will be quite a show.” Saying this, she smiled faintly, her eyes emitting a cold aura in the darkness.

She couldn’t help turning back to look at the Marquis of Xiangyang’s estate with its high-hanging lanterns. It seemed that not only Princess Lin’an, but even this Young Marquis absolutely couldn’t be left alive…